Unfortunately, even the safest, most responsible driver can be the victim of a car accident. Even with the best defensive driving practices, you can never fully trust other drivers on the road to follow the same safety precautions you do.
While this is hopefully a situation you’ll be able to avoid, you should know what to do following a car accident should it ever happen. The aftermath of a car accident can be a very high-stress situation, so ensure you have a plan in place and know what steps to take before one happens. In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing what you should do immediately after a car accident, and in the future.
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CHECK FOR YOUR WELL-BEING
Of course, the first thing to do is check on the condition of yourself and any passengers. Remain calm, assess the situation, and pay attention to your immediate surroundings to avoid further danger or injury. Everything else can be dealt with later, but your first concern should be your immediate safety. If possible, move your car to safety, and if not, leave it and get yourself away from danger in the road.
CALL 911
It is a good idea to call 911 after an accident. Once the immediate safety of yourself and others involved is addressed, be sure to notify emergency services of the car accident.
EXCHANGE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT
After turning on your hazard lights and moving to safety, be sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the driver of the other car. Important information to make sure you take down includes:
- Full names and contact information of the other driver and any passengers
- The other driver’s insurance information, including the company and policy number
- The make, model, and license plate number of the other car
- The address of the accident’s location
- The names and contact information of any eyewitnesses
- The names and badge numbers of attending police officers
Taking photos of the damage to your car and the license plate of the other vehicle is also recommended. A major topic to avoid discussing after a car accident is fault, even if you believe yourself to be at fault. In order to avoid potentially incriminating yourself, do not mention fault and instead leave this to your legal representation.
CONTACT A CAR ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER IN CHATTANOOGA
To ensure you get the best representation possible and the compensation you deserve, contact the qualified attorneys at Cavett, Abbott & Weiss. Our car accidents lawyers will work on your side, help you get you the settlement you deserve, and allow you to return to living your life without unnecessary financial drain. They also consider factors like time lost working, and dealing with health insurance companies. Visit our car accident lawyer page to learn more, and get in touch with us today to see how we can help.